Flood alert in Punjab, AJK as Indian dam water threatens rivers

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high alert, warning of possible severe flash flooding in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to continuous heavy rains and water inflows from India.

According to NDMA officials, intermittent downpours in northeast Punjab and AJK, combined with 190,000 cusecs of floodwater entering Pakistan from across the border, have raised fears of widespread inundation. 

Also Read: Pakistan confirms India's flood alert via diplomatic means, not IWT

Rising water levels in major rivers

NDMA expert Dr Tayyab confirmed that the upper reaches of Ravi and Chenab rivers are likely to experience high-level flooding in the coming 48 hours. He said there is also a threat of Sutlej River water increasing. 

• River Ravi at Jassar: Flow recorded at 115,000 cusecs, expected to rise to 150,000 cusecs.

• River Ravi at Shahdara: Flow recorded at 50,150 cusecs, which may surge to 90,000 cusecs if spillways of India’s Thein Dam are opened.

• Pir Panjal Range drains, including Ben, Basantar and Dek, are also expected to swell, creating flash flood risks in surrounding areas.

The NDMA has sounded the alarm that Lahore, Sialkot, Kasur, Pakpattan, and Vehari may face inundation if water levels continue to rise. It says water pressure will also increase on Ganda Singh Wala and Head Sulemanki. 

Also Read: Evacuation begins as Punjab rivers face high flood risk in 48 hours

Water levels rising in Ravi River

The Ravi River continues to swell in Lahore, where the water flow at Shahdara has surged past 52,000 cusecs and is expected to reach nearly 80,000 cusecs today. At Jassar, inflows have already touched 125,000 cusecs, and officials fear the situation may worsen if India releases more water from its dams.

The PDMA has warned of very high flood levels across Jassar, Shahdara, and Head Balloki. District administrations in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, and Faisalabad have been directed to implement emergency measures, while rescue and civil defense camps have been set up along vulnerable points of the river.

Sutlej River submerges villages in Kasur and beyond

In Kasur, the Sutlej River is experiencing a dangerous flow of 188,000 cusecs, forcing the evacuation of over 30 villages. Rescue teams, supported by the Pakistan Army and Rangers, are using boats to move families and livestock to safer areas. More than 3,000 residents have already been rescued.

The Livestock Department has vaccinated nearly 2,000 animals and treated another 2,500 to prevent disease outbreaks. Relief camps have been established at Talwar Post by various departments, including PDMA, Punjab Police, and Health Services. 

Floodwaters have also inundated villages in Minchinabad and Burewala, where thousands of acres of crops and dozens of mud houses have been destroyed. In Burewala alone, 500 stranded people were rescued, while farmers suffered massive losses as thousands of acres of their standing crops went underwater. Furthermore, 90,000 cusecs of water will flow in the next 24 hours. 

Chenab River threatens Chiniot and Hafizabad

The Chenab River has seen a steady rise, with inflows reaching 100,000 cusecs at Chiniot. Floodwater from Head Marala has entered local settlements, prompting the district administration to issue a medium flood warning. Eight relief camps have been set up, and residents of low-lying areas have been urged to move to safer ground.

In Hafizabad, floods wreaked havoc as water submerged standing crops of rice and sugarcane, while several villages, including Mahmudpur and Bhawan Fazil Kot, were severely affected. Many families reported being left without timely relief support.

Bahawalpur on high alert

In Bahawalpur, the surging Sutlej broke through temporary embankments, sending water into residential areas and farmland. The district administration, along with rescue services, remains on high alert as floodwaters continue to rise.

Indian dam spillway concerns

The NDMA noted that Thein Dam in India has reached 97% of its capacity, and authorities across the border may open its spillways at any time. This could send a dangerous surge of water into River Ravi, coupled with possible rains in the upper areas, further escalating the flood threat in adjacent Pakistani districts. 

Also Read: Punjab on high alert as heavy rains trigger flood alert

PM orders emergency measures

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed NDMA chairman and Punjab disaster authorities to:

• Expedite rescue operations in flood-affected districts.

• Evacuate stranded families to safer locations without delay.

• Ensure the immediate provision of food, tents, and medicines.

• Intensify security and surveillance at Ganda Singh Wala and other vulnerable points along River Sutlej.

• Maintain close coordination between federal and provincial disaster management teams.

Public safety advisory

The NDMA has urged citizens to:

• Stay away from rivers, drains and low-lying areas.

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the next 48 hours.

• Follow updates via TV, radio, mobile alerts, and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App.

Emergency services and institutions have been placed on high alert to deal with any untoward situation.